Letter: Conservatism has regressed to unadventurous and old-fashioned

The so-called Grand Old Party just doesn't get it. Defeated in the presidential election, it has acted like a spoiled rich child out of touch with the majority of Americans struggling to make ends meet.

I cast my first Republican vote in 1960 but now am ashamed by the push to keep tax breaks for wealthy folks who can afford to pay more while ignoring the plight of the middle class, the elderly and especially the poor. GOP leaders — conveniently ignoring that they put two costly wars on the national credit card — have demanded cuts in "entitlements" earned by retirees and health assistance for the less fortunate while disregarding tax money given away to hugely profitable oil companies and wealthy outfits.

GOP actions define the party as one of Greedy Obstructive Profiteers. Consider the damage done by an unregulated Wall Street and the greed of companies once headed by the defeated GOP presidential candidate. Contemplate the obstruction of congressional Republicans with their "Nobama" mindset at the expense of job creation. Ponder the national push for Right-to-Work laws, which really means Right to Profit with an implicit goal of eliminating unions that work to improve employee wages.

Conservatism has regressed to unadventurous and old-fashioned instead of careful and cautious, which was what I believed when I signed on some 52 years ago. As one of those old white Republican men, I have learned that change is inevitable and adaption crucial. If the GOP doesn't evolve, inflexible foolishness will destroy it.